Never give up until you get what you want in life is the motto of 21-year-old Temalesi Naiteitei.

Ms Naiteitei was among 42 graduates of the Prestige Caregivers Academy who received their certificate on Friday.

The Ovea, Bau, Tailevu graduate dropped out of school at the age of 14 to look after her six siblings. It was something Ms Naiteitei was not ready for.

She said they were raised by her single mum but due to some previous convictions her mum was sent to prison.

“I had to drop out of school and look after my six younger siblings,” said Ms Naiteitei.

Having support from her aunty and social Welfare assistance she managed her siblings until her mum was re- leased a year after.

“I always wanted to continue my studies, so I joined the Matua Programme at Nabua Secondary School for Year 10 in 2019,” said Ms Naiteitei.”

Now as a single mother to her three-year-old son, she successfully completed her Year 12 examination and is awaiting her results.

“I am expecting good results, but if I don’t get my desired results I will try again and again and complete my Year 13 and hopefully get a scholarship to study further to become a school teacher,” she said.

Ms Naiteitei, who may have not had her desired child- hood and never thought of dropping out of school, is confident of providing a better childhood for her son.

“I was only 14-year-old, when I had to drop out of school, but I will take every opportunity to study now and will provide the same for my son,” she added.

Ms Naiteitei has advised women who had gone through a similar situation in life, not to give up, keep their faith and face the challenges and they would succeed in life.

Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu